Pocket Sprung Mattresses at a Glance
Individual Springs
Each pocket spring is contained within its own fabric pocket, allowing the springs to respond more independently.
Targeted Support
Independent spring movement can help the mattress respond to different areas of your body.
Less Partner Disturbance
Because springs work more independently, movement on one side can be less noticeable on the other.
Wide Choice
Pocket sprung mattresses are available in different spring counts, firmnesses, depths and comfort layers.
What Is a Pocket Sprung Mattress?
A pocket sprung mattress contains individual springs sewn into separate fabric pockets. Unlike a traditional interconnected spring system, the springs can compress more independently. The result is a mattress that can respond to movement and pressure across different areas of the sleeping surface.
How Do Pocket Springs Work?
Independent Movement
Each spring is able to react to pressure in its own area, rather than relying on every nearby spring to move in the same way.
Body Support
The springs compress beneath areas of pressure, helping the mattress respond to your body rather than providing the same resistance everywhere.
Comfort Layers
Foam, fibre, wool or other upholstery layers can be added above the springs to change the feel and cushioning of the mattress.
Pocket Sprung vs Open Coil Mattresses
| Feature | Pocket Sprung | Open Coil |
|---|---|---|
| Spring movement | Springs work more independently. | Springs are interconnected. |
| Partner movement | Generally better at limiting movement transfer. | Movement can transfer more readily across the mattress. |
| Body response | More localised response to pressure. | More uniform spring movement. |
| Typical positioning | Often chosen for enhanced support and comfort. | Often chosen as a straightforward, value-focused spring option. |
What Does Pocket Spring Count Mean?
Pocket sprung mattresses are often marketed by their number of springs. A higher spring count can indicate a greater number of individual springs, but it should not be used as the only measure of mattress quality.
Spring Count Is Only One Part of the Mattress
Compare the spring count alongside the spring type, mattress construction, firmness, comfort layers, depth and overall specification. Two mattresses with similar spring counts can feel very different because the materials above and around the springs can change the final feel significantly.
Choosing the Right Pocket Sprung Firmness
Softer Feel
Provides more cushioning and may suit sleepers who prefer a softer, more enveloping feel.
Medium Feel
A popular middle-ground option, balancing cushioning with a more supportive surface.
Firmer Feel
Provides a more supportive and less yielding surface for sleepers who prefer a firmer mattress.
Which Sleepers Suit Pocket Sprung Mattresses?
Side Sleepers
Look for enough cushioning in the comfort layers to allow pressure points around the shoulders and hips to sink into the mattress appropriately.
Back Sleepers
A balanced combination of spring support and cushioning can provide a stable sleeping surface without feeling excessively hard.
Front Sleepers
A more supportive feel may be preferable, but the correct choice still depends on your body shape, comfort preference and the mattress construction.
Couples
Pocket springs can be a good option where reducing the amount of movement felt from a partner is important.
Pocket Springs and Comfort Layers
| Comfort Layer | Typical Effect | Consider If You Want |
|---|---|---|
| Memory foam | More contouring and pressure-relieving cushioning. | A closer, more cushioned feel. |
| Foam | Adds cushioning and can alter the firmness of the finished mattress. | A balanced spring-and-foam feel. |
| Fibre | Adds surface softness without the same contouring effect as some foams. | A more traditional cushioned feel. |
| Natural fillings | Can add cushioning and contribute to the overall feel and construction. | A more traditional or natural mattress construction. |
Does Mattress Depth Matter?
Yes. Pocket sprung mattresses can be made at different depths depending on their spring unit and comfort layers. Mattress depth affects the overall feel, appearance and clearance of your bed.
Check Your Bed Base
Before choosing a particularly deep pocket sprung mattress, check the mattress and bed base dimensions together. A deeper mattress can alter the finished height of the bed and may be especially important with storage beds, ottoman beds and beds with side rails or headboards.
Pocket Sprung Mattress Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Individual springs respond more independently.
- Can provide good support and pressure distribution.
- Often suitable for couples.
- Available in a wide range of firmnesses and constructions.
- Can be combined with different comfort materials.
Things to Consider
- Spring count alone does not determine quality.
- Feel varies considerably between different constructions.
- Some pocket sprung mattresses can be heavier than simpler spring designs.
- They can cost more than basic open-coil mattresses.
- They still require a suitable, supportive bed base.
Choose the Right Base Too
A pocket sprung mattress needs to be used with a compatible bed base. Slatted bases, platform tops and sprung divans can all provide different levels of support, so check the mattress manufacturer's requirements before use.
For slatted bases, check the recommended gap between slats as well as the overall support requirements. The wrong base can affect how the mattress performs and may affect its warranty.
Pocket Sprung Mattress Buying Checklist
☐ Choose the correct mattress size
☐ Check the pocket spring count and construction
☐ Compare the mattress firmness
☐ Check the comfort-layer materials
☐ Measure the mattress depth
☐ Check compatibility with your bed base
☐ Consider partner movement if sharing the mattress
☐ Check the manufacturer's care and warranty requirements
Looking for the Right Mattress?
Compare mattress types, firmnesses, materials and specifications before choosing the right option for your bedroom.
Explore Mattress GuidesFrequently Asked Questions
What is a pocket sprung mattress?
A pocket sprung mattress contains individual springs enclosed in separate fabric pockets. This allows the springs to respond more independently to pressure and movement.
Are pocket sprung mattresses good?
Pocket sprung mattresses can provide responsive support, good pressure distribution and reduced movement transfer. However, the overall feel depends on the spring construction, firmness and comfort layers.
Is a higher pocket spring count better?
Not necessarily. Spring count is useful when comparing mattresses, but it should be considered alongside the spring type, materials, construction, firmness and overall specification.
Are pocket sprung mattresses good for couples?
They can be. Because individual pocket springs respond more independently, movement on one side of the mattress may be less noticeable on the other than with an interconnected spring system.
Are pocket sprung mattresses suitable for side sleepers?
They can be, particularly when the mattress has suitable cushioning in its comfort layers. Side sleepers should consider the combination of spring support, firmness and surface cushioning rather than the springs alone.
How long does a pocket sprung mattress last?
Lifespan varies according to construction, materials, usage, care and overall quality. Follow the manufacturer's care instructions and replace the mattress when it no longer provides the support or comfort you need.
Can you use a pocket sprung mattress on a slatted bed?
Usually, provided the mattress and bed base are compatible. Always check the mattress manufacturer's requirements, including any minimum support or maximum slat-gap recommendations.
Can you use a pocket sprung mattress on an ottoman bed?
Compatibility depends on the specific ottoman mechanism and mattress. Check the manufacturer's requirements for mattress weight, thickness and type before use.
More Mattress Guides
Mattress Buying Guides
Explore different mattress types, materials, firmnesses and features.
View Guides →Choose a Pocket Sprung Mattress by the Whole Construction
Look beyond spring count and compare firmness, comfort layers, depth and bed-base compatibility to find the right mattress for you.